Efficiency, durability, ease of maintenance and return on investment are the cornerstones of VAC AERO’s hot zone designs.

VAC AERO uses layers of graphite felt blanket as the core of the insulation package

At the hot face of the insulation package is a layer of durable carbon composite

The insulation package for every VAC AERO hot zone is mounted on a stainless steel support ring

The hot zone insulation package has three key design features:

VAC AERO’s graphite-based hot zone designs continue to perform reliably under the most demanding thermal processing conditions. The lightweight curved graphite elements are constructed in easy to replace segments. The elements are designed to withstand impact damage and braze alloy spillage and are far more durable than molybdenum elements.

Graphite Felt Blanket

VAC AERO uses layers of graphite felt blanket as the core of the insulation package. Compared to graphite board used by some manufacturers, the blanket is far easier to install and maintain, it won’t break and it doesn’t wear at the edges like board so there is no risk of heat loss due to gaps developing in the insulation.

Carbon Composite Insulation Package

At the hot face of the insulation package is a layer of durable carbon composite. The composite has reflective graphite foil bonded to one face to ensure radiant heat is efficiently directed to the load. The composite is also resistant to mechanical impact or braze alloy spillage and can be easily patched or replaced if it does get damaged. VAC AERO was a pioneer in the use of carbon composite materials in vacuum furnaces and continues to develop new innovations.

Modular Design

The insulation package for every VAC AERO hot zone is mounted on a stainless steel support ring. The rings are designed in a modular fashion for easy installation and maintenance. The stainless steel construction ensures a longer service life than the mild steel hot zone supports used by many manufacturers.

SPECIFICATIONS:

VAC AERO hot zones have unitized construction for easy removal and maintenance. Lightweight design with low thermal mass and inertia for faster quenching and long life.

• Work Load Size (horizontal models): Standard sizes from small laboratory units up to 54” wide x 54” high x 72” deep. Larger models available.

• Work Load Size (vertical models): Standard sizes up to 84” diameter x 84" high. Larger models are also available.

• Heating Elements: Customer’s choice of lightweight curved graphite, pure or lanthanated molybdenum strip.

• Hearth: Constructed with quickly removable hearth rails of pure molybdenum designed to support uniformly distributed loads of up to 4000 lbs at 2400°F.

Radiation Shields: (Graphite-based Construction):

The standard graphite-based insulation package consists of three layers of carbon felt with an inner facing of graphite foil bonded carbon composite for added protection and enhanced reflectivity. The heat shield package is supported by a stainless steel assembly that also acts as a manifold to distribute the quenching gas uniformly throughout the workload.

Radiation Shields (All-Metal Construction):

For ultra-clean processing applications, VAC AERO also offers an all-metal hot zone construction. The standard all-metal insulation package consists of two layers of pure molybdenum sheet backed by three layers of stainless steel sheet. The heat shield package is supported by a stainless steel assembly that also acts as a manifold to distribute the quenching gas uniformly throughout the workload.